Sofia Kenin advances

1.12pm: American Sofia Kenin makes it look easy in the second set to get by last year’s semifinalist Xiyu Wang. Kenin takes it out 7-6, 6-1.

The 2020 Australian Open winner will next face fifth seed Clara Tauson in the round of 16.

Jaqueline Cristian of Romania has also moved onto the next round with a 6-3 2-0 walkover against Yuliia Starodubtseva.

Seeds remaining

12.36pm: With Raducanu and Mertens withdrawing and Lulu Sun exiting yesterday, that means three of the eight seeds are gone with day two barely underway.

1. Madison Keys

3. Amanda Anisimov

5. Clara Tauson

7. Naomi Osaka

8. Katie Volynets

Emma Raducanu and Elise Mertens pull out

12.20pm: The ASB Classic has suffered a big blow on day two of the tournament with drawcards Emma Raducanu and Elise Mertens pulling out before their first round matches.

Mertens was the second seed and was drawn against Kiwi Vivian Yang while Raducanu, the sixth seed, was set to play in the evening session.

Their places have been taken by Mai Hontama from Japan and Jodie Burrage from Great Britain respectively.

Raducanu has suffered a back injury and while she had hoped for a speedy recovery, it has not improved sufficiently for her to compete.

The British star was set to play her opening round match against American Robin Montgomery this evening.

“I’ve tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately, I’ve picked up a back niggle and I won’t be ready in time,” said Raducanu.

Mertens, the world no. 21 ranked female, also withdrew this morning ahead of her first-round match.

“I am sorry not to play my singles due to an injury,” said Mertens. “I wish the tournament all the best and hope to be back next year.”

An updated schedule of play will be released shortly.